Solid veteran core leading CMR tennis teams
The C.M. Russell High boys’ tennis team has created high expectations in the past few years, taking the state title in 2022 before a runner-up showing last spring.
While the makeup is a little different in 2024, the Rustlers have been delivering, earning a 6-1 mark this season in duals including wins over strong programs such as Kalispell Glacier and Bozeman High.
“The boys are improving and working hard in practice,” CMR boys’ head coach Byron Boyd said. “I think we’re in good shape. We still have a lot of stuff to work on but the kids are working hard. We’ve got good senior leadership this year.”
One of those seniors is Josh Stimac, who was a part of a second-place doubles tandem as a sophomore and was third last season with the now-graduated Brady Pike. Stimac is paired this season with sophomore Eli Crist, a state-qualifier in singles last season.
“(Eli and I) played in tournaments together all summer long,” Stimac said. “I played with a different partner every year I’ve been here so I’ve gotten used to it. The first couple matches were iffy with some ups and downs but right now we’re feeling pretty good. I think we’ll have a good chance at state.”
Boyd said the tandem has handled the lofty expectations well.
“Josh and Eli have been coming together and have made good improvements,” Boyd said. “They’re a strong team. They have high expectations and they’ve been working hard.”
Senior Kade Haverlandt has moved up to the No. 1 spot in singles after state-placer Carson Rich graduated last year. Following Rich is a tough act to follow, Boyd said, but Haverlandt has responded well.
“It’s big shoes to fill following a guy like Carson, but Kade’s been doing a good job,” Boyd said. “It’s tough playing No. 1 but he’s been up for the challenge. It’s a big change from where he was at last year but he’s handling it well. All my seniors I’ve been really happy with them.”
Another senior is Aeden Bingham, a contributor on last year’s trophy team in doubles who is paired with Conner Sherman this season.
“The seniors have been really good at getting the younger kids up to speed and letting them know what Rustler tennis is all about,” Boyd said.
Freshman twins Howard and Fleming Daniel have also stepped right into the varsity lineup and Jacob Cordich has also seen time for the Rustlers coming up from JV.
“We’re super young this year, it’s different than in the past,” Stimac said. “All the freshman and sophomores are coming in really well and we should have a lot of qualifiers for state.”
CMR girls’ tennis
The Rustler girls also have a mix of experience, with head coach Val Scheevel leaning on a solid group of veterans to mix with some new faces.
“We do have quite a few returners and also quite a few newer people, either new to tennis or to the team,” Scheevel said. “We kind of have a broad spectrum on our squad and we’re making progress.”
Junior Grace Kauffman is back as the No. 1 singles player for CMR after qualifying for state last season.
“She’s come out strong for us,” Scheevel said. “She’s been with us since her freshman year and every year steadily she’s been improving. She’s improved a lot in her consistency. She’s really hitting the ball well.”
Ryann Walker is a senior leader for the Rustlers, having qualified for the state tournament as a junior in singles. Walker, who played doubles as a freshman and sophomore, is back with a partner in Olivia Buckingham for the No. 1 tandem.
“It’s definitely a different pace than singles,” Walker said. “I really like playing with Olivia. She’s my best friend and our connection, our bond has helped with communicating on the court.”
Keira Richards is back for her senior season after missing last year with a knee injury. Richards also had another knee ailment this year but it hasn’t kept her out of action, Scheevel said.
“She’s come back like a rockstar,” Scheevel said.” We’re really happy to have her back.”
Marianne Hawley is another senior for CMR and is paired with another returner in Quincy Weymouth.
Gabbi Molen and Coco Brown have also been competing well in singles, Scheevel said.
“I feel like our singles are looking strong for years ahead,” Scheevel said. “Gabbi and Coco both hit the ball really well and they’re improving as we go along. I have high hopes for both of them. All in all, having a good number of returners is helping those that are new. Those that are new to tennis are making huge improvements and strides.”
Both Rustlers squads head to Bozeman for duals with Gallatin and Belgrade on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. The teams play host to Helena Capital at noon on Tuesday at CMR Courts before facing off with Helena High at Meadow Lark Country Club and Hurd Courts at 2:30.
This article originally appeared on Great Falls Tribune: Solid veteran core leading CMR tennis teams
